The holidays were a whirlwind of celebration and visitors - from Brad's first girlfriend, Bridget to the Fletcher Mafia crew to family who spent Christmas with us. In the last couple weeks, we threw an epic version of our annual Get Frosted party (our 7th!) and hosted an intimate, last minute New Year's Eve celebration. Aside from a couple scheduled check ups, we spent zero time in the hospital and had no emergency situations (a great way to finish out the year).

Corresponding Podcast Episodes:Episode 44: Fletcher MafiaSummary: Althea and Fabian - friends from the Fletcher School - talk about relationships and ambition with Brad, Dana, and Jeremy.

Episode 45: Updates with Brad and DanaSummary: Brad and Dana update the listeners on the direction of Defending Your Life as they head into the New Year. They also do a quick update on Brad's health, including some revealing and somewhat scary news, after Brad's follow up with the Oncologist and Neurosurgeon.

Episode 53: TransitionsSummary: Brad, Dana, and Jeremy reflect on transitions - both in life and in the podcast - as well as address using the podcast as a tool to discuss tough topics.

Episode 54: End of Year ReflectionsSummary: In the last podcast of the year, Brad, Dana, and Jeremy talk about what they got out of the experience of podcasting and the direction of Defending Your Life moving forward.

After much debate about whether or not to travel, Brad and Dana decided to make the 8 hour trek to VA to celebrate with the #FrostPack. Brad's brother and aunt arranged an epic party in Brad's honor, filled with great food, great music, and even better people.

Brad had surprise visits from friends and family from all aspects of his life and from all over the country, including friends from elementary school, high school, college, and grad school. No doubt the discomfort from the car was worth it.

Corresponding Podcast Episodes: Episode 41: The Writing ProjectSummary: Brad and Dana travel to VA for an epic #FrostPack party. In this episode, they share with Marsie some exciting plans for the future.

Episode 42: Luke & The FrostsSummary: Summary: Brad's cousin, Luke joins Brad & Dana as well as Marsie, Dave, and Lindsey to talk about family and what it means to be a Frost.

Episode 43: PrioritiesSummary: From VA, Dave, Lindsey, and Marsie talk with Brad and Dana about priorities and time.

Many may recall: on October 27, I started the surgery process with my arms raised; ready to fight. The surgery decision came briskly, just 2 weeks following my initial diagnosis on October 12.

At the time, I was told to anticipate 6 weeks of recovery, which would align well with the next phase of treatment: systemic immunotherapy to help eliminate, shrink, or stall my cancer.

We never could have anticipated what would follow.

Week after week, we were flooded with bad news: the cancer spread to my spine; fracturing a vertebrae; it spread to abdomen lymph nodes, and maybe my skull. The tumor in my liver had grown at a terrifying rate–4x it’s original size. Newer tumors popped up in my lungs and liver. I developed double vision due to a weakened cranial nerve and, to boot, two small hematomas on my brain. I’ve now lost over 50lbs.All that disease progression took place in less than 6 weeks.

Before learning of the spread, we were given a real glimmer of hope on a “cure” treatment because my pathology report finally exhausted other Renal Cell Carcinoma types, putting my cells in the category of ‘clear cell’ Kidney cancer. This is, relatively speaking, a more common and better known type to treat.

Just a week later, my progression rate caused gasps among the tumor board that reviewed it–and it would drastically changed my treatment path.

Now, whether ‘clear cell’ or not, this pace of progression made the option of a known curable treatment, Interluekin 2 (IL2) at this stage virtually impossible because of my poor–and declining–physical condition.

This alone was a major blow: although IL2 gives 5 years cure to just 6-10% of its recipients; it is the only known treatment to provide that path. IL2 is also effective at achieving some other progression free goals for up to 40-50% of patients. But, IL2 is known as a brutal treatment itself; no picnic; requiring ICU like care and often leading to very challenging and long-term side effects. So, some saw it as a blessing in disguise for me not to potentially endure such a toxic and low chance of success.

Even still, if it were on the table, i would likely have taken the shot – there was a specific IL2 treatment trial in Dallas i found that seemed like a good fit based on the metastatic state of my first scans in October.

But, new information leads to new decisions.

I would add: every stone of 'alternative treatments’ is being concurrently researched, considered and evaluated. Cannabis oils; infrared saunas; dendritic vaccine therapies; stem cells; supplements; hyperthermia; Low dose chemo; tumor genomes; vitamin C IVs, Accupuncture, essential oils, fasting…you name it. I’ve asked anyone with suggestions to make them and be specific. And, as I’ve intended from the beginning, we’re continuously closing in on some hybridization of these strategies in concert with cutting edge medical treatments, comprehensive nutrition and cancer related supplemental supports.

I hasten to add: I’ve been told I’m on prayer lists all across the country. I’m aware of a continuous stream of loving thoughts, prayers and well wishes, And, with every text, note, FB like – it all adds up to a profound and sincere expressions of love that lifts me up everyday.

And, I’m doubling down with my daily (yet feeble) attempts to practice mindfulness, meditate, eat gluten free, dairy free, sugar free. To be vulnerable – brutally honest even – about what we’re up against without giving up hope.

So, I’m asking everyone for an ounce more: please move confidently with us as we sift through the days and weeks ahead. It’s a tough sell: confidence in this approach given how the disease has spread so far: I know I’ve tried to sell it before, but didn’t respond quickly enough to the horrifying pain I was in the week of Thanksgiving, Then, I was then holding on fast to my potential cure. Hoping that I could just turn the corner on my own. I was wrong.

Halting progression:This it’s my most important marker in the next 4-12 weeks. If we can do it, it will allow this avalanche of love and the 'complete treatment’ approach to get the real shot it deserves at seizing the day. And–I truly believe–then a path to adding years on my horizon instead of months.

On Saturday, November 26, I was admitted to the hospital for a whole week.

After completing 2.5 hrs of MRIs straight on my fractured back, drenched in sweat, we set a path for the near term: largely to avoid risk of spinal cord injury. With the St. Joe’s team, we negotiated to accelerate 15 doses worth of radiation in 5 days so I could as swiftly as possible commence the systemic immunotherapy I desperately need to halt this progression.

But, I also have to own the reality, and face up to the fact that my time here may be viciously short. All of this has come so fast and in dizzying degrees of urgency, I finally podcasted openly and directly about my mortality. Up until that point, I’d been trying to compartmentalize all of these complications from the cancer itself – trying, desperately, to outflank the disease and the threat of death.

If there was one ounce then of good news, it was this: my mission got crystal clear: get in line for systemic therapy that will reduce the rate of progression. Then, continue to do everything within my humble power to be healthy, be connected, and be alive through this process so I can fight for the next stage all the way through.

Unbelievably, just weeks before all this transpired in my case, a new study provided unusual clarity: One of RCCs front line therapy, called Cabozantinib, saw dramatically better results than its peers at reducing rapid disease progression.

For once, I felt this was unquestionably my best path right now. My doctors rushed an order–there are maybe 200 patients in the country on this pill–which costs an astonishing $100,000 per month. But, hey, I’m worth it! And, this is my best shot.

Everyone out there: this is heavy and wildly intense. But you see me in this next photo: arms raised, ready to fight.

This photo was taken December 8, 2016: It was my first dose of Cabozantinib, which arrived by mail the afternoon before. We have a 30 day supply.

It will be arduous: most of all in the uncertainty of whether its working until our next scans in 4-6 weeks. And, desperately, I’m hoping to be as boring as possible during this time: no emergency visits. Side effects to a minimum.

So far, so good. My pain management is better and the treatment isn’t having any major effects. I’ve had three similar days – a level of predictability I’ve not had in months.

So, day zero was Thursday, December 8 at 7am.

Despite all the ups and downs to date, we must measure all future disease progression from my state now; not from October. It’s a new beginning; a steeper climb, but still filled with hope and promise.

Day zero: I started the systemic treatment yesterday. Day 1, I’m up. I’m working. I’m turning the corner.

Now, we all have to see how it proceeds. Your patience and support is vital to me more than ever. I’m confident this is the right thing and am so grateful for everyone’s faith, support and encouragement.

Back home from a week in the hospital, Brad and Dana get an influx of visitors, beginning with his cousin Ashley, who drops in from New England for a day of catch up and great conversation. Next his wombats Dave comes in from Idaho with his family - wife Katie and kids, Georgia and Whit, who fill the house with laughter and joy. Finally, they are surprised by Brad’s cousin Luke, who drops in for a quick, but fun, one night stay.

Corresponding Podcast Episodes:Episode 39: Miracles and BeliefSummary: Summary: Wombmate Dave joins Brad, Dana, and Jeremy for a tense and heated discussion on belief and miracles and how we find comfort during this diagnosis.

Dana's family comes to Detroit to spend the Thanksgiving weekend with her and Brad. Unfortunately, by the end of the week, Brad's back pain is unbearable and he is unable to move without being in excruciating pain, prompting a trip back to St. Joe's. After an additional CT scan, we learned that Brad's cancer has progressed. Past treatment options are now off the table and Brad must start radiation to his spine immediately. While in the hospital, they finalize his next treatment step, which will be the drug, Cabozantinib (which can be taken orally at home). Needless to say, t's been a tough week in the hospital, with emotions flying.

Corresponding Podcast Episodes:Episode 33: Thanksgiving for RealSummary: Brad, Dana, and Jeremy are joined by Dana’s family for a very real post-Thanksgiving discussion about this diagnosis and how different family members deal based on their own individual experiences. In this episode, Margo and Thomas return, in addition to Jeremy's wife Meredith, Dana's aunt, Denise, and Dana's youngest sister, Stephanie.

Episode 34: 3:33amSummary: Summary: Brad and Dana end up in the ER yet again and are shocked by the reality of their situation.